E-Bikepacking: Can You Truly Experience Adventure on an E-Bike?

The e-bike revolution

In recent years, it is undeniable that the biggest revolution in the cycling world has been the advent of e-bikes. Since they appeared on the market, pedal-assist bicycles have made tremendous progress in both performance and pedaling experience, to the point where they have almost completely replaced traditional mountain bikes, at least as far as full-suspension models are concerned.

Today, the market also offers very attractive products in the gravel and road segments, expanding the possibilities for cyclists of all levels.

E-bikepacking: problem or opportunity?

But the question arises: is it possible to go bikepacking with an e-bike? We are not talking from a technical point of view-because it is clearly possible-but from an ideological point of view. So let’s modify the question: is it right to go on a multi-day adventure with an e-bike?

This question has already created a clear divide within the community, as we noted when the Tuscany Trail opened to e-bikes several years ago.

At the end of our reasoning, we came to the conviction that yes, it is possible to travel and live an adventure with an e-bike. And not only is it possible, but it is also an opportunity that should not be overlooked.

Why Give Up Adventure?

Why give up adventure when there is the possibility of continuing to ride even at times when our physical fitness is not at its best? Why give up a bike trip just because we would not be able to tackle it with a traditional bike?

The e-bike is a real opportunity that opens the door to incredible experiences, even for those who might find it difficult to tackle long distances or challenging climbs with a traditional bike.

A Travel Companion for All Ages

As we age, it is natural for the body to begin to show signs of aging, making some activities more difficult to sustain. However, this does not mean you have to give up your passion for bikepacking or adventures on two wheels. The e-bike presents itself as a perfect solution for those who wish to continue exploring the world, while keeping alive the sense of freedom and discovery that only biking can offer.

A Shared Experience

Cycling has always been an activity that brings people together, but differences in training or physical performance can often become a barrier, especially within couples or groups of friends. E-bikes offer an ideal solution to bridge this gap, allowing people with different fitness levels to enjoy a two-wheel adventure together.

It does not affect those who ride a Traditional Bike

The introduction of e-bikes takes nothing away from those who continue to prefer traditional bicycles. On the contrary, it enriches the cycling landscape by offering more options to a wider audience. For those who enjoy challenges and the satisfaction of pushing their limits on a muscle bike, nothing changes: the roads, trails, and adventures stay the same. The difference is only in how you choose to tackle them. The e-bike does not replace, but complements, adding a new level of accessibility that makes the world of bikepacking even more inclusive.

What about road bike events?

If the participation of e-bikes in off-road events is now accepted, one has to wonder when they will also enter the scene in road events such as The Grand Escape. If the MTB/gravel industry has voiced quite a few objections to the integration of pedal-assisted bikes, the road cycling world is raising even greater barricades.

The question is not so much whether e-bikes will become part of events like The Grand Escape, but rather how and when this will happen.

Bike Adventure Series events follow a “no race” approach, aimed not at competition but at providing participants with a unique adventure. Therefore, the use of e-bikes is welcome, as this is not a race; everyone can approach the experience at their own pace.

New balances

On the other hand, it will be critical to maintain a balance between innovation and respect for the community. It is possible that we will see road events offer specific categories for e-bikes, ensuring that those who wish to participate in the traditional mode can do so without interference (real or assumed). At the same time, those who choose to use an e-bike may find a new way to enjoy the experience, focusing less on pure physical performance and more on exploring, discovering, and sharing the route with others.

Here are 5 tips to get the best out of a Bike Adventure Series event on an e-bike:

Setting out on a bikepacking trip with an e-bike may seem tricky, but with proper planning and careful use of pedal assist, it becomes a great asset for multi-day adventures.

1. Study the route: being aware of the route you are going to take, in terms of elevation gain and distances, will help you to better manage your battery. If you are a beginner, divide the route into shorter stages so that you don’t run the risk of running out of battery power and enjoy the adventure. If you want to learn how to study a GPS track, follow the instructions in this guide.
2. Plan your stops according to electricity: choose where you will stop to eat and sleep, bearing in mind that you will almost certainly need to recharge your battery at the end of the day. On navigation apps like komoot by adding the ‘ebike’ layer you will be able to see all charging points on the route.

1. Less is more: the basic rule of bikepacking also applies here. The more weight you have to carry, the more battery power you will consume while cycling. So travel light and remember to leave space for the battery pack in your panniers.
2. Mind your partner: if the person you are travelling with uses a conventional bike, try to match your pace to theirs, remember that the goal is sharing, there is no finish line to cross.
3. Don’t get anxious: if you have studied the itinerary and prepared yourself properly, you won’t run out of battery, don’t spend your time obsessively checking the monitor, enjoy the landscape and the experience to the full!